In a message dated 6/20/99 2:45:25 PM, [log in to unmask] writes:

>   Regarding the bicycle library raised incidentally by Martin and Bill
>(or vice-versa?): I believe there was such an experiment tried in
>Denmark, or perhaps just Amsterdam, or perhaps Holland, in the 60's.
>Someone (a socialist-minded gov't. and/or manufacturer) provided a
>number of white bicycles for public use.  Each could be taken to ride by
>anyone, as needed, and then left, I think, by the road for he next user.
>Perhaps someone with knowledge of this experiment could provide details
>of the operation, and let us know how it turned out?      Otherwise,
>thank-you for this interesting discussion.

The Song "My White Bicycle" by Steve Howe and his band Tomorrow was inspired
by a free bike plan in Amsterdam:

"In Amsterdam in 1967, a community group called Provos proposed the White
Bicycle plan in which the city purchased 20,000 bicycles, painted them white,
and set them out as free public transport.... The plan worked for a while,
until the bikes suffered from selfish vandalism and theft. A similar plan is
curreently in place in the Hogue Veluwe National Prk in Holland."

From, Bike Cult  by David B. Perry

Similar plans were used in Geneva-1986, Milan -1987 (all stolen on the first
weekend), and Portland, Oregon-1991.

john korber